Clinical Trial Stage
CIRM’s Clinical Trial Stage grant funds advanced clinical trials of stem cell or genetic therapies for serious unmet medical needs, supporting projects from trial execution to patient access planning.
Funder: California Institute for Regenerative Medicine
Due Dates: October 23, 2026 (mandatory consultation) | October 30, 2026 (application deadline)
Funding Amounts: Up to $8M (for-profit, first-in-human) | Up to $12M (non-profit, first-in-human) | Up to $15M (phase 2/subsequent or pivotal, all orgs); max 4 years/project
Summary: Supports completion of clinical trials for stem cell-based or genetic therapies addressing serious unmet medical needs.
Key Information: Mandatory consultation with CIRM Clinical Development team required before application.
Description
This opportunity funds the completion of interventional phase 1, 2, or 3 clinical trials (including pivotal trials) for innovative stem cell-based or genetic therapies targeting diseases with significant unmet medical needs. The program emphasizes a comprehensive clinical development strategy aiming for marketing approval, with a focus on ensuring that trial demographics reflect the affected patient population and on planning for patient access and affordability post-approval. CIRM acts as both a funding agency and an active partner, leveraging internal and external expertise to accelerate project success.
